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Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Watch Review- 3573.50.00

December 10, 2024 Nick Lehner

Despite having covered almost every Moonswatch variant on this blog, I've never gotten my hands on an original Omega Speedmaster Professional - until now. With the upcoming release of the StrapHabit Hook and Loop Elastic Watch Straps with the NASA logo, I had to see how they look on a real Moonwatch. Luckily, a friend owns one and loaned it to me for photographs and a review.

Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch 3573.50.00 First Impressions

The Speedmaster Professional will need no introduction to readers of this blog. While I had never worn one for more than a few minutes before, I knew fairly well what to expect. The finishing and build quality are very similar to that of my Planet Ocean Chronograph, and the Moonswatch actually mirrors the case profile very well. Of course, the steel Speedmaster is a bit heavier, but it still wears quite well.

After wearing it for a short time, I understood why so many people consider the Speedmaster an icon.

Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch 3573.50.00 Details

This particular model is known as the "Sapphire Sandwich" as the movement is the meat in between two pieces of sapphire bread (a boxed front crystal as well one in the caseback). According to Watchbase, this reference was in production from 2002 to 2015.

Vintage Moonwatches (and some current models) have Hesalite (acrylic) crystals and solid steel casebacks. Unlike those (and the Swatch Moonswatch) the sapphire model doesn't have a brand logo engraved on the underside of the crystal. It does, however, have AR coating. If you'd like some extra protection for your Moonwatch crystal, check out our Crystal Film Protection kids.

Besides the crystal swap on this model, the design remained nearly unchanged for decades. A clean, matte black dial features crisp white printing. Outside of the crystal sits a tachymetre scale.

The case features traditional Omega lyre lugs.

The crown sits recessed into the case, and pump pushers operate the chronograph.

Wearing the Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch 3573.50.00

While the 42mm Speedmaster is not a small watch, there is a reason that it's so popular. It wears quite well, and a lot of the thickness is in the boxed crystal.

Legibility is excellent for a chronograph, as all-white stick hands stand out well against the matte-black dial.

Although the applications are narrow, the lume is also quite bright, giving great legibility in the dark.

My only complaint about wearing and operating the Speedy is that it is a bit tedious to wind. The crown is well-protected by the case, but that also makes it a bit difficult to grip. A lot of turns are required to wind it, and it's something you'll be doing every 1-2 days if you wear it regularly.

Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch 3573.50.00 Original Bracelet and Replacement Straps

I believe that, like with my Planet Ocean Chronograph, the 50 in the reference number represents a black dial. Omegas from this era with reference numbers ending in 00 are equipped with a stainless steel bracelet. This model features the traditional "Speedy" bracelet used for years. It consists of 5-piece links, with alternating brushed and polished finishes (the PO requires the use of half-links for fine-tuning of fitment).

The clasp is very similar to that of my Planet Ocean's, but it is more compact. It lacks the diving extension but does have two micro-adjust positions. The top surface is brushed and includes the model information, and it has polished chamfers.

If you prefer a strap, a Deployant Rubber is a great option, and it is possible to fit an original Omega clasp to it. Our upcoming Deployant Sailcloth straps look great on it too!

Here is a list of some other straps that would fit and we think look great with this watch. At the end of the article, you'll also find more photos.
-Hook and Loop Elastic Watch Straps with NASA logo
-STANDARD H x StrapHabit Taupe
-Ribbed Rubber Pass-Through
-Ridge Rubber
-Tropical Rubber
-Premium Sailcloth and Sailcloth Colorway Collection
-Smooth Rubber
-Rubber and Sailcloth Hybrid Straps
-Vented Rubber
-Slim Ridge Rubber
-Waffle Rubber
-Epsom Leather
-Elastic

Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch 3573.50.00 Movement

This older version of the Moonwatch is powered by Omega caliber 1863. It is hand-wound, and the chronograph mechanism is cam-operated. It beats at 21,600 vph and provides a 48-hour power reserve when fully wound.

The movement is mechanically the same as 1861 in the Hesalite Speedmaster, but because it is visible through the sapphire caseback, it features a mixture of circular graining, Geneva stripes, and polished edges on the bridges, levers, and baseplate. Plastic (Delrin) parts are also replaced with metal.

1861/1863 are based on the Lemania 861 movement that powered earlier Speedmasters, but not the earliest models. Those original versions (like the ones that visited the moon) were powered but the column-wheel operated caliber 321. Bob's Watches has a great summary if you'd like to read more detailed information. Although 861 and its relatives powered the Speedmaster for decades, current models are again powered by caliber 321, but now with a co-axial escapement.

Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch 3573.50.00 Conclusion:

Many people in this hobby say that every watch collector needs to own a Speedmaster. So why don't I have one? Budget is one reason, as I can't buy unlimited watches. Since I already own an Omega, I have focused on trying other brands.

Another reason that the Speedmaster Professional hasn't made its way into my collection is that I know so many people who have them. I find myself gravitating towards watches that are less common.

That being said, this is a watch that I would wear often if I had one (tedious winding aside). Hopefully one will find its way into my watch box soon!

Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Hesalite vs. Sapphire Sandwich - Which Should You Buy?

While more traditional collectors might consider only a Speedmaster with a Hesalite crystal to be a "real" Speedy Pro, a lot of buyers opt for the Sapphire version. In addition to being much more resistant to scratches, it also offers a view of the beautiful manual wind chronograph movement. Most onlookers would never notice any difference, although the sapphire models do exhibit a whitish ring around the circumference of the crystal.

Which should you choose? I'd say if you are buying a Speedmaster as your only watch to be worn every day, go with the more scratch-resistant sapphire version and enjoy looking at the movement. If you already have a number of high-end watches and want to enjoy the "authentic" Speedmaster experience, then go with the Hesalite. This is especially true if you are someone who romanticizes the moon landing connection.

Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch 3573.50.00 Specifications:

Name: Omega Moonwatch Speedmaster Steel Chronograph Watch
Reference Number: 3573.50.00
MSRP: $5,500 (no longer available)
Diameter: 42mm
Height: 48.2mm
Thickness: 13.5mm
Lug Width: 20mm
Weight: 157g
Movement: Omega 1863
Water Resistance: 50m
Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflective treatment on both sides
Crown: Push-pull
Bezel: Fixed, tachymetre
Bracelet: Stainless steel